Saints set to return for pre-season training

Saints’ internationals have received additional time off due to featuring for their countries after the conclusion of last season, with James Ward-Prowse and Matt Targett’s campaign not finishing until last week.

However, new signings Maarten Stekelenburg and Juanmi will meet some of their teammates for the first time on Monday morning, with the likes of club captain Kelvin Davis and striker Jay Rodriguez also set to return.

Saints’ other summer signing so far, Cédric Soares, will return the following week having featured for Portugal against Italy in June.

Saints’ Under-21s, who will hope to play a big part in Ronald Koeman’s pre-season plans, will also be at Staplewood having completed their tests on Thursday at Southampton Solent University.

Jason McCarthy, who captained Martin Hunter's side last season, is looking forward to returning to training: “I’m really excited for what the season ahead holds and I can’t wait to get started on Monday.

“It’s been my shortest break at the end of a season but all for good reason because we’ve got a big year ahead and we’re in Europe. 

“There’s going to be a lot of games so I think, although it has been a short break, we’re going to have to be fitter than ever now.”

Saints’ players will spend a week at Staplewood before heading off to Austria on 7th July for their first pre-season trip, which will last five days.

Koeman’s men will play a game against RasenBallsport Leipzig and be involved in a tournament featuring Valencia, Red Bull Salzburg and Werder Bremen before heading back to the south coast.

After another five days on the training ground at home, Saints will head off to Holland for a week, taking in games against FC Groningen, KVV Quick 1920 and Feyenoord before returning to England on Friday 24th July.

Six days later Koeman’s side will be involved in Europa League action before rounding off their summer friendlies with a home game against Espanyol on Sunday 2nd August.